The length of the island of Marajo is about one hundred and twenty miles; its breadth averages from sixty to eighty. Much of it is well wooded, but far the larger part is campo, covered during the wet season with coarse tall grass. At that time the whole island is little more than a labyrinth of lakes. In summer the superabundant waters are drained by numerous igaripés, and, rain rarely falling, this watery surface is exchanged for a garden of beauty in some parts, and into a desert upon the campos. The population of the island is large, consisting mostly of Indians and half-breeds. Some of the towns, however, are of considerable size, but most of the inhabitants are scattered along the coast and upon the igaripes. Four hundred thousand cattle roam over the campos, belonging to various proprietors, the different herds being distinguishable by peculiar marks or brands. The estate of which Jungcal forms part numbers thirty thousand cattle, and a great number of Indians and blacks are employed in their care, keeping them together, driving them up at proper seasons to be marked, and collecting such as are wanted for exportation to the city. These men become extremely attached to this wild life, and are a fearless, hardy race, admirable horsemen, and expert with the lasso. When horses abounded, it was customary to drive the marketable cattle towards the Pará side of the island, whence transmission to the city was easy; but at present they are shipped from Jungcal, or other places still more remote, thus causing great waste of time, and ruining the quality of the beef.